A retro barber shop and fitness studio are the latest Atlanta-based concepts joining Uptown Atlanta, the 47-acre mixed-use destination anchored by the Lindbergh MARTA Station.
Rubenstein Partners, L.P. (together with its affiliates, “Rubenstein”) Friday announced in a press release that The Commodore and Roundhouse Kickboxing will open new locations at the project, which is being redeveloped by Rubenstein into an “activated and hyper-accessible community hub.”
“Located along Uptown’s newly renovated Main Street, The Commodore brings a fresh approach to timeless barbering services, marrying the old school barber shop feel with on-trend styles and modernized amenities,” according to a press release. With additional locations in Chamblee, Roswell and the Westside, the new shop’s design will feature six 1950s Takara Belmont chairs and a stained glass barber pole from the 1920s.
The shop will also feature a pop-up from Parable, an Atlanta streetwear brand founded by the same owners featuring sneakers, apparel, and accessories.
“As we embark on our fourth location of The Commodore, we are thrilled to open our latest shop in the heart of Uptown’s mixed-use environment,” Owners Rob Hopper and Rich Craven said in the release. “The Uptown location will embody the same character and retro vibe as our other locations, while also having its own unique personality. We are passionate about creating a welcoming environment for every customer and look forward to inviting the community to sit back, relax with a coffee or beer, and enjoy a traditional barber experience.”
The Commodore plans to open at Uptown in the spring of 2024, Hopper told What Now Atlanta.
Roundhouse Kickboxing was founded by Atlanta natives Jordan McCray and Mario Richards in 2021 through a shared love of fitness and kickboxing. Offering 50-minute classes that incorporate high-intensity interval training and kickboxing circuits, the custom workout packages are designed for any age or fitness level.
The Uptown location will introduce upgraded locker rooms and shower facilities, as well as come to life with several murals from local artists. Opening in January 2024 in a 3,750-square-foot space fronting Piedmont Road, Uptown will become the brand’s third location.
“The Buckhead area has always been on our radar as a fantastic expansion opportunity,” said Jordan McCray, co-owner of Roundhouse Kickboxing. “We are excited for Roundhouse to grow alongside the Uptown development and are proud to bring Roundhouse Kickboxing to such a high-profile Atlanta location. Most importantly, we are dedicated to building community within our studios and are confident that we will continue to be successful in creating an environment that is inclusive of all types of people and fitness levels at Uptown.”
Rubenstein previously announced five dining concepts for Uptown, including El Gordo, an authentic taqueria with a modern lively setting; Bene Korean, an upscale Korean barbeque experience; J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen, Caribbean street food and brunch restaurant; and White Windmill, a popular Korean bakery and coffee shop. These restaurants will join community favorite 26 Thai Kitchen and Bar and open along Main Street in early 2024.
In May, Rubenstein opened Uptown Test Kitchen, a novel culinary experience for Atlanta foodies in a restaurant space fronting Piedmont Road. Uptown Test Kitchen is currently activated by Chow À La Carte, which is designed to bring the community and local chefs together every weekend with fresh menus.
“As we round out Uptown’s retail mix, we are focused on bringing in homegrown concepts from Atlanta’s very best,” George Banks, founder of Revel, Rubenstein’s retail partner at Uptown, said. “The Commodore and Roundhouse Kickboxing will bring a dynamic energy to the development and strategically diversify Uptown’s retail and restaurant experience to serve the office component and the thousands of apartments and homes that surround the property.”
Uptown encompasses nearly 1 million square feet of office space,120,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and a variety of community gathering spaces, all with connectivity to MARTA and the city’s major pedestrian trails, such as the Atlanta BeltLine, PATH400 and the South Fork Trail. As part of the redevelopment plan, Rubenstein modernized the 35,000-square-foot office atrium; elevated building facades; created a true, pedestrian-friendly Main Street; and transformed The Lawn into a highly programmed community gathering space.
[Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information about when The Commodore is expected to open at Uptown Atlanta.]
